be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ—_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v â—orth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o and_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 11._o 12._o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o again_o twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silene_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o viril_n sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_a they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o god_n word_n for_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o affirm_v moreover_o in_o the_o five_o page_n that_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o several_a congregation_n be_v all_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o both_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o be_v most_o false_a as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o those_o that_o know_v their_o practice_n and_o will_v vouchsafe_v but_o to_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n where_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o any_o of_o their_o new_a practice_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n how_o then_o can_v the_o way_n of_o 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vouchsafe_v one_o another_o that_o courtesy_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o voluntary_a whether_o they_o will_v give_v each_o other_o a_o account_n of_o either_o their_o censure_n or_o proceed_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v as_o absolute_a a_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o several_o as_o any_o free-state_n or_o commonwealth_n &_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o neither_o can_v they_o appeal_v for_o any_o relief_n if_o wrong_v one_o to_o or_o from_o another_o and_o if_o any_o member_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n or_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n divide_v among_o themselves_o or_o upon_o some_o eminent_a receive_v wrong_v shall_v fond_o complain_v to_o another_o neighbour_n church_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o relieve_v they_o no_o more_o than_o one_o private_a man_n can_v relieve_v another_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v appeal_v to_o by_o another_o and_o if_o that_o church_n shall_v desire_v a_o account_n of_o the_o other_o church_n proceed_n that_o church_n may_v refuse_v it_o if_o it_o please_v they_o but_o if_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n that_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o other_o church_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o proceed_n all_o this_o be_v but_o gratis_o and_o out_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n they_o have_v still_o no_o power_n to_o call_v that_o church_n in_o question_n that_o have_v do_v the_o wrong_n if_o that_o church_n stand_v upon_o its_o point_n and_o privilege_n and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o forsooth_o they_o will_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n any_o one_o church_n can_v proceed_v to_o against_o another_o church_n be_v not_o this_o i_o pray_v fine_a dependency_n what_o more_o unrighteous_a deal_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o profess_v themselves_o independent_o and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n and_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o more_o real_a dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o than_o we_o have_v with_o they_o yea_o what_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n be_v this_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o a_o communion_n among_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n when_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o more_o union_n and_o communion_n nor_o true_a friendship_n among_o they_o then_o be_v between_o herod_n and_o pilate_n they_o refuse_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n each_o to_o other_o in_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v deadly_a enemy_n one_o to_o another_o as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v although_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o herod_n and_o pilate_n do_v well_o accord_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v the_o independent_o protest_v against_o the_o brownist_n anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o seeker_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o new_a fraternity_n proclaim_v they_o all_o sectary_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v hear_v those_o several_a society_n rail_v against_o all_o the_o independent_o especial_o those_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a esteem_n of_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n then_o of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v unanimous_o accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n of_o as_o great_a tyranny_n as_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n here_o among_o we_o have_v their_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n every_o one_o of_o they_o dissent_v more_o or_o less_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n yea_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o other_o practice_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n know_v not_o that_o the_o woman_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o voice_n there_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o also_o have_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o their_o new_a church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v page_n the_o five_o when_o as_o they_o all_o of_o they_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o independent_a what_o unrighteousness_n then_o be_v this_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o be_v a_o dependent_a independency_n or_o a_o independent_a dependency_n which_o be_v but_o a_o contradictory_n bull_n at_o best_a at_o the_o bait_v whereof_o a_o man_n if_o he_o regard_v not_o mispending_a his_o time_n may_v make_v far_o better_a sport_n than_o he_o do_v some_o year_n since_o in_o bait_v the_o pope_n bull._n the_o truth_n be_v as_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a babel_n so_o all_o their_o language_n be_v confound_v and_o they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n principle_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v all_o real_o independent_a and_o therefore_o whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n where_o they_o be_v so_o unrighteous_a in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v and_o practise_v another_o and_o when_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o do_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a reader_n but_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o their_o way_n will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o look_v into_o some_o other_o of_o their_o practice_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o instance_n the_o very_a
church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o thâ—y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v ever_o so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o competent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n
wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110._o psalm_n verse_n 3._o be_v now_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o tobe_n pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_v those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o her_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 5._o c._n as_o of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v downdead_o and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n &_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o maglinant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v thefirst_n be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v 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congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o beliver_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4._o 14._o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o
widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o contiunal_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o colleague_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convertedby_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o struâ—k_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v after_o ward_n great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v this_o argument_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o corroborate_v also_o with_o such_o solid_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n
now_o live_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o shall_v be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a as_o to_o gainsay_v it_o and_o yet_o learned_a master_n knollys_n in_o his_o moderate_a answer_n as_o he_o call_v it_o pag._n 8._o and_o 9_o repli_v and_o answer_v to_o it_o by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n for_o very_o slender_a reason_n as_o his_o custom_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v give_v you_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n say_v he_o in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n neither_o do_v that_o scripture_n produce_v act_n 4._o 4._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o and_o albeit_o the_o dr._n make_v they_o up_o eight_o thousand_o by_o say_v those_o five_o thousand_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o the_o former_a believer_n pag._n 57_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctor_n addition_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n &_o how_o then_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n second_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n iâ—_n the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v wade_v up_o five_o thousand_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n own_o expression_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o this_o argument_n with_o his_o confuse_a reason_n or_o rather_o trifling_n what_o man_n but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o have_v but_o cursory_o read_v over_o my_o argument_n will_v not_o have_v observe_v the_o truth_n so_o plain_a and_o evident_o lay_v down_o in_o they_o and_o confirm_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v well_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o will_v have_v judge_v it_o either_o great_a blockishness_n in_o any_o and_o apparent_a ignorance_n to_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o great_a temerity_n and_o contentiousnesse_n of_o spirit_n to_o have_v gainsay_v such_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o verity_n and_o yet_o mr._n knollys_n out_o of_o the_o sublimity_n of_o his_o learning_n be_v a_o confident_a disputant_n not_o only_o confute_v i_o but_o repel_v the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o and_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v usual_o with_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n and_o all_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o contention_n to_o maintain_v their_o several_a faction_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v admire_v that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o abandon_v and_o abhor_v of_o all_o people_n true_o fear_v god_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v their_o whole_a study_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o delude_v and_o seduce_v poor_a silly_a creature_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o deliberate_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o man_n say_v he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n whereas_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o cite_v there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o three_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n himself_o do_v acknowledge_v pag._n 8._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o to_o who_o be_v add_v viz._n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v before_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n ministry_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o confess_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o woman_n among_o they_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n mention_v there_o be_v five_o thousand_o his_o word_n be_v these_o for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o now_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o eight_o thousand_o what_o so_o ever_o m._n knollys_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v for_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v it_o single_a and_o by_o itself_o ought_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o have_v both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o learned_a master_n knollys_n his_o own_o witness_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v and_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o these_o be_v distinct_a action_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o produce_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n from_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v take_v such_o notice_n of_o as_o such_o wonder_n and_o have_v be_v so_o distinct_o set_v down_o with_o all_o the_o several_a circumstance_n both_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v there_o have_v be_v such_o run_n and_o go_v question_v and_o consult_v about_o that_o business_n by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n as_o there_o be_v if_o some_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n have_v not_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o for_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o wonder_v at_o ordinary_a occurrence_n now_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v this_o new_a miracle_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n as_o a_o unexpected_a thing_n and_o sudden_o happen_v &_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n &_o astonishment_n yea_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o enemy_n from_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n &_o from_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n &_o john_n &_o assert_v withal_o that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v &_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5._o thousand_o v._o 4._o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o as_o this_o be_v a_o new_a act_n &_o distinct_a from_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n and_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o itself_o several_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o more_o admiration_n than_o the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o another_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n to_o convert_v five_o thousand_o than_o three_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v thus_o record_v with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o it_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o distinct_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n from_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o accurate_a in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n in_o the_o whole_a business_n for_o in_o express_a word_n and_o term_n it_o be_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o smother_v this_o miracle_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v the_o scripture_n believe_v and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n or_o fallacy_n in_o the_o story_n and_o narration_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o account_v of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o last_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v specify_v particularise_v and_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o scripture_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o set_v down_o the_o number_n and_o call_v they_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o safe_a always_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o
word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o to_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n any_o long_o leave_v about_o this_o point_n for_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v not_o gainsay_v but_o god_n have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v upon_o that_o new_a miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o peter_n &_o john_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v but_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o everlasting_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n or_o a_o new_a act_n and_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o now_o five_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o put_v and_o join_v together_o make_v up_o eight_o thousand_o which_o be_v all_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o my_o addition_n as_o mr._n knollys_n fond_o and_o childish_o conclude_v and_o his_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v my_o mistake_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o senseless_a for_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n take_v notice_n i_o pray_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o expression_n some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o say_v he_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n they_o be_v not_o as_o any_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v although_o i_o do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o all_o those_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o mr_n knollys_n here_o commit_v a_o double_a error_n first_o in_o make_v that_o my_o opinion_n and_o ascribe_v that_o to_o i_o which_o i_o only_o then_o relate_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o in_o medio_fw-la that_o be_v his_o first_o error_n his_o second_o be_v worse_o for_o whereas_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o second_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n master_n knollys_n peremptory_o affirm_v they_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o &_o so_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o declare_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n &_o five_o at_o another_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o 5._o thousand_o in_o all_o as_o m._n knollys_n assert_v then_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o so_o then_o i_o have_v commit_v no_o error_n neither_o can_v m._n knollys_n convince_v i_o of_o a_o error_n if_o i_o have_v say_v it_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n have_v be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o number_n of_o man_n according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n be_v five_o thousand_o and_o if_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n than_o not_o woman_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o take_v for_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o matth._n 15._o verse_n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v four_o thousandman_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o among_o these_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n knollys_n &_o by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n mount_v in_o all_o but_o to_o five_o thousand_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o do_v not_o and_o be_v all_o man_n as_o he_o accord_v to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v he_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o needless_a cavil_n against_o i_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o i_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o relate_v it_o as_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o woman_n among_o those_o eight_o thousand_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o be_v i_o of_o as_o contentious_a a_o spirit_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n i_o can_v bring_v better_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n then_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n can_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n knollys_n himself_o seem_v but_o faint_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o the_o 3._o thousand_o be_v woman_n &_o thus_o he_o trifle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n now_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o woman_n make_v no_o real_a conviction_n of_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a and_o groundless_a supposition_n of_o a_o mistake_n especial_o when_o there_o may_v be_v many_o solid_a reason_n produce_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o trifling_n be_v not_o sufferable_a in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o fear_n god_n for_o vain_a jangle_n and_o needless_a contention_n about_o word_n be_v that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o minister_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o vain_a kind_n of_o creature_n who_o cheese_n babble_n be_v about_o word_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o see_v a_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o the_o man_n show_v but_o his_o ignorance_n and_o while_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v very_o acute_a he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a child_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n give_v some_o man_n rope_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v hang_v themselves_o even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o run_v out_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o entangle_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v as_o here_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o and_o he_o deny_v withal_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o assert_v moreover_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o all_o those_o convert_n amout_v but_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o he_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o confute_v himself_o i_o desire_v all_o therefore_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n he_o have_v confident_o conclude_v there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o another_o company_n among_o the_o which_o he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v woman_n so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o concession_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a number_n or_o company_n one_o consist_v of_o 5._o thousand_o
and_o all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o another_o consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n say_v that_o among_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o company_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o beside_o among_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n as_o master_n knollys_n say_v than_o this_o three_o thousand_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o former_a now_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n and_o five_o thousand_o all_o man_n make_v up_o full_a eight_o thousand_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n by_o his_o whible_v again_o and_o again_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n &_o sermon_n be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v all_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fond_a cavil_a and_o contention_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o very_a jangler_n and_o one_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n that_o condemn_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o number_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o convert_n &_o believer_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o groundless_a but_o to_o be_v most_o impious_a and_o wicked_a as_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o principle_n his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o master_n knollys_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o stand_v astonish_v at_o the_o vanity_n senslesnes_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n for_o his_o word_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v all_o convert_v and_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n as_o i_o say_v before_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n the_o holy_a ghh_v say_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v five_o thousand_o here_o be_v two_o truth_n evident_o lay_v down_o contrary_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o call_v man_n but_o believer_n for_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v second_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v be_v there_o in_o terminis_fw-la set_v down_o to_o be_v five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o text_n be_v five_o thousand_o so_o that_o from_o this_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o all_o my_o argument_n deduce_v from_o thence_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v evident_o the_o first_o that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man_n that_o thus_o 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meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o conclusion_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v appear_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o mr._n knollys_n &_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o sottish_o oppose_v it_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a practice_n who_o for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o own_o error_n and_o for_o their_o base_a lucre_n and_o gain_n &_o for_o worldly_a end_n care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o church_n &_o state_n for_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o master_n knoyll_n his_o other_o cavil_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v yet_o in_o this_o place_n to_o say_v to_o he_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o 5._o thousand_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o although_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o many_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o be_v not_o true_a convert_n and_o that_o for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o visible_a saint_n for_o here_o master_n knollys_n say_v they_o be_v mix_v good_a and_o bad_a together_o it_o be_v not_o say_v say_v he_o the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o member_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n some_o of_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v up_o into_o a_o church_n body_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o believer_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o all_o continue_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n both_o saint_n and_o infidel_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n now_o whither_o or_o no_o master_n knollys_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o do_v not_o fight_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o new_a fabric_n of_o independency_n i_o leave_v it_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o but_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o a_o other_o saint_n diotrephes_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v they_o deserve_v censure_n and_o punishment_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o have_v here_o to_o say_v to_o mr_n knollys_n i_o have_v this_o also_o to_o add_v that_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o five_o thousand_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o believe_v so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v
be_v credit_v all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v relate_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a fable_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o believe_v and_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v they_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n whether_o this_o fellow_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o his_o wickedness_n and_o temerity_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a either_o dependent_n or_o independent_o and_o so_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o his_o other_o good_a stuff_n which_o in_o its_o due_a place_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n out_o of_o all_o the_o above_o quote_v place_n of_o scripture_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_a very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chapter_n the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21._o 22._o and_o from_o chapter_n the_o sixth_o ver_fw-la the_o 2_o and_o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a but_o out_o of_o all_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n and_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a &_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2._o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o and_o vers_n 42._o and_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a worship_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o by_o evident_a argument_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o temple_n those_o discriminate_n and_o distinguish_v ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n interpreter_n gather_v from_o the_o ensue_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o sacramental_a bread_n which_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_o so_o expound_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a upon_o act_n the_o
and_o that_o their_o were_z more_o precious_a church_n in_o that_o street_n then_o in_o all_o england_n beside_o and_o he_o do_v confident_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v from_o he_o but_o turn_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n i_o see_v many_o of_o the_o independent_o go_v into_o the_o nagshead_n a_o tavern_n a_o little_a above_o coleman-streete_n there_o they_o call_v their_o parliament_n and_o make_v committee_n and_o chayre-man_n for_o prepare_v of_o business_n for_o the_o great_a council_n and_o for_o the_o advise_v of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o there_o they_o order_n how_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o meeting_n house_n also_o whither_o the_o saint_n resort_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o consult_v together_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n &_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a drink_a school_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v a_o pure_a drink_a school_n but_o pass_v from_o toleration-streete_n and_o leave_v their_o drink_a school_n and_o they_o together_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o master_n knollys_n say_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n i_o demand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o independent_o now_o whether_o or_o no_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o those_o gift_a man_n preach_v they_o have_v not_o a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o gather_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o he_o have_v not_o there_o â—n_v his_o meeting_n house_n a_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o they_o have_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o deny_v it_o yea_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o those_o they_o have_v a_o several_a church_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n &_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n not_o only_o because_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o but_o because_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n every_o man_n will_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o master_n knollys_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o mr_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v wicked_o deny_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o and_o fight_n against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o wicked_a impostor_n and_o deceiver_n and_o aught_o indeed_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o their_o congregation_n as_o a_o juggler_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_n have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v and_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god_n willing_a make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o
they_o all_o as_o no_o christian_n but_o a_o deform_a church_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n peremptory_o affirm_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pag._n 11._o that_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o they_o all_o profess_v they_o read_v of_o no_o form_a church_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o expr_fw-la sly_a set_v down_o for_o the_o time_n of_o it_o act_v the_o 2._o so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v deform_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o all_o christian_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n among_o they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n &_o a_o teacher_n and_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n and_o five_o or_o six_o brethren_n more_o and_o three_o or_o four_o sister_n can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n now_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a as_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v james_n and_o john_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n two_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n those_o bonaerge_n those_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o eight_o or_o nine_o elder_n with_o seventy_o disciple_n all_o saint_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n with_o multitude_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o have_v also_o a_o decon_n among_o they_o judas_n by_o name_n that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n when_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o their_o whible_a congregation_n so_o qualify_v as_o former_o can_v make_v a_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n scholar_n and_o follower_n can_v as_o well_o make_v a_o form_v church_n as_o a_o few_o in_o our_o new_a found_v or_o rather_o confound_v congregation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o shall_v peremptory_o and_o rash_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n i_o proclaim_v they_o guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v most_o condign_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a and_o facinorous_a crime_n they_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v abominate_v as_o a_o company_n of_o false_a teacher_n calumniator_n and_o horrid_a seducer_n how_o godly_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o wrold_a to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v aught_o by_o christ_n saint_n and_o servant_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o company_n of_o grand_a impostor_n and_o juggler_n so_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_a presbyterian_o who_o they_o term_v sinner_n and_o carnal_a people_n and_o man_n of_o earth_n and_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o their_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v by_o they_o for_o they_o pronounce_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o saint_n but_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o best_a but_o convert_n in_o part_n as_o if_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n wrought_v his_o work_n to_o the_o half_n this_o i_o say_v may_v comfort_v all_o we_o the_o poor_a despise_a presbyterian_o for_o the_o same_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n and_o their_o ministry_n and_o such_o as_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o their_o babble_n there_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n till_o that_o we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 1._o in_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o form_v church_n nor_o all_o the_o other_o worshipper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o act._n 2._o nor_o think_v worthy_a by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o by_o this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n they_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o indeed_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o tribe_n howsoever_o they_o pretend_v they_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o who_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o this_o their_o pain_n for_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o learn_a of_o they_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o disavow_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o dispute_n declare_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o they_o oppose_v many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o for_o this_o their_o temerity_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v high_o blame_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a of_o that_o party_n and_o true_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n there_o be_v then_o none_o upon_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v a_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n they_o can_v not_o have_v give_v a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n for_o all_o learned_a christian_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n that_o must_v make_v other_o true_a form_v church_n for_o they_o can_v give_v and_o communicate_v that_o to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o themselves_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o form_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n so_o that_o what_o make_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n a_o true_a form_v church_n make_v all_o the_o other_o a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n if_o the_o same_o cause_n can_v produce_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n or_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n they_o will_v soon_o and_o without_o any_o difficulty_n perceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v as_o well_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o name_n and_o those_o three_o thousand_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o â—alls_v the_o first_o form_v church_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o independent_o consider_v by_o themselves_o respective_o &_o apart_o may_v proper_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v call_v church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o enjoy_v but_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n and_o privilege_n that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v complete_o partake_v in_o than_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o several_a assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o better_a reason_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o all_o other_o requisit_n whatsoever_o in_o these_o our_o day_n can_v make_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n may_v suffice_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o my_o minor_a proposition_n they_o that_o shall_v read_v but_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 18._o of_o matt._n and_o the_o 28._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o twenty_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n shall_v find_v it_o sufficient_o confirm_v yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v every_o judicious_a and_o intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
all_o of_o they_o necessary_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a platform_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n add_v with_o all_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n and_o the_o body_n of_o many_o member_n and_o one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 11._o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o apostolical_a church_n they_o have_v all_o need_n one_o of_o another_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o thus_o speak_v be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o which_o i_o be_o assure_v thâ—â—_n will_v sharp_o reprove_v he_o but_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la conclude_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o the_o several_a member_n be_v in_o one_o body_n which_o be_v that_o that_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n peremptory_o deny_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o i_o shall_v god_n will_v abundant_o prove_v in_o examine_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n phililppi_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o rest_n with_o that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o make_v up_o of_o his_o complete_a pattern_n and_o all_o the_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o he_o and_o his_o scholar_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o say_v although_o he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o enumeration_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o church_n he_o enumerate_v and_o prove_v they_o all_o classical_a and_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o independent_a church_n such_o as_o they_o describe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o before_o our_o day_n nor_o never_o such_o a_o whimsy_n take_v notice_n of_o before_o this_o dote_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o poor_a presbyterian_o who_o the_o independent_o term_n at_o every_o word_n a_o antichristian_a brood_n who_o may_v not_o think_v it_o much_o nor_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v when_o they_o accuse_v our_o church_n not_o to_o be_v well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o when_o they_o say_v that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o master_n illdependent_a censure_v and_o judge_v not_o only_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o want_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n and_o for_o want_n of_o officer_n and_o blame_v all_o other_o church_n accuse_v they_o likewise_o of_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v all_o confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o defective_a and_o not_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o horrid_a piece_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v condign_a punishment_n from_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o true_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v when_o man_n once_o desert_n and_o forsake_v the_o truth_n what_o error_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o giddiness_n they_o soon_o fâ—ll_v into_o so_o it_o may_v exceed_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_v we_o that_o in_o all_o their_o asperse_v of_o we_o and_o daily_o calumniate_a our_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n as_o they_o conceive_v and_o in_o their_o deny_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a form_v church_n for_o in_o this_o we_o be_v like_o sufferer_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n all_o the_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n accuse_v of_o imperfection_n and_o for_o fayling_n so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v censure_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o our_o church_n for_o antichristian_a and_o not_o well_o form_v church_n but_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o they_o term_v our_o assembly_n but_o now_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n enumeration_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o say_v he_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o those_o also_o of_o galitia_fw-la and_o that_o of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n thus_o he_o now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n philippi_n those_o of_o galatia_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o all_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n iâ—_n their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n i_o say_v be_v classical_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o they_o and_o likewise_o subject_a to_o the_o synodical_a decree_n at_o jerusalem_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o all_o these_o church_n make_v up_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a pattern_n or_o platform_n of_o govern_v all_o church_n for_o future_a age_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v as_o i_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v branch_n of_o that_o church_n therefore_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o stock_n so_o now_o brief_o to_o evince_v that_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerat_o consist_v likewise_o of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o then_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n their_o very_a congregationall_a church_n and_o assembly_n be_v not_o true_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o god_n assistance_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v dependent_a all_o which_o i_o will_v do_v in_o order_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rest_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n this_o city_n of_o samaria_n be_v the_o regal_a city_n and_o the_o palace_n or_o chamber_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o famous_a in_o all_o palestine_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o canaan_n for_o extent_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a one_o that_o can_v entertain_v the_o who_o assyrian_n army_n at_o one_o time_n and_o it_o be_v exceed_o populous_a as_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n witness_v in_o the_o which_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o that_o plant_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 4_o of_o john_n where_o we_o read_v that_o our_o saviour_n convert_v not_o only_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n but_o many_o more_o who_o be_v make_v believer_n by_o his_o ministry_n as_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v and_o to_o this_o church_n be_v many_o thousand_o add_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o philip_n for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o act_v the_o 8._o vers_fw-la 6._o 10._o 12._o 14._o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o that_o juggler_n simon_n magus_n which_o be_v in_o no_o small_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v undeceive_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o wonder_n of_o philip_n now_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o there_o
and_o in_o the_o baptist_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o matth._n 3._o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o all_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o by_o the_o immediate_a descension_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n who_o be_v the_o person_n baptize_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o god_n the_o father_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o that_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v and_o confirm_v this_o ordinance_n not_o only_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n who_o be_v also_o baptize_v by_o john_n but_o to_o all_o those_o in_o all_o future_a age_n that_o shall_v be_v baptize_v by_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n which_o he_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v they_o matth._n 28._o to_o all_o which_o he_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o good_a christian_n believe_v that_o christ_n be_v well_o baptize_v and_o if_o he_o be_v well_o baptize_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o likewise_o well_o baptize_v and_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n for_o both_o john_n and_o the_o disciple_n have_v their_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o christ_n himself_o for_o their_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n and_o a_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v of_o any_o force_n to_o ratify_v and_o ascertain_v any_o ordinance_n than_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v authentic_a and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n except_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o all_o those_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o administer_v unto_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o of_o who_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n matth._n 12._o ver_fw-la 49_o 50._o behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n &_o sister_n and_o mother_n except_o i_o say_v they_o believe_v all_o these_o can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v impiety_n to_o think_v now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n christ_n jesus_n with_o his_o mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n with_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o their_o shepherd_n and_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o follow_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o all_o john_n disciple_n and_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o his_o and_o christ_n disciple_n ministry_n can_v as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a form_a congregation_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o their_o conceit_a member_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v see_v no_o good_a reason_n but_o that_o christ_n the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o so_o many_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n with_o he_o shall_v not_o all_o of_o they_o as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o one_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o assert_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o temerity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o either_o blasphemy_n or_o rashness_n be_v in_o any_o the_o ildependents_n have_v unchurch_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o all_o church_n but_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o now_o they_o unchurch_n all_o those_o glorious_a christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o wonder_v at_o least_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o ill_a part_n that_o they_o unchurch_n we_o and_o deny_v our_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o they_o say_v the_o same_o of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o have_v so_o good_a company_n we_o may_v the_o more_o quiet_o sit_v down_o when_o we_o be_v so_o like_o our_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o all_o the_o which_o they_o say_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n these_o word_n may_v not_o slight_o be_v pass_v over_o we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o man_n ordinary_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o slight_a or_o little_a regard_n especial_o if_o they_o speak_v those_o word_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o deliberation_n and_o not_o upon_o extemporary_a passion_n or_o except_o they_o be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o excuse_v if_o they_o pass_v by_o their_o best_a friend_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o seriosity_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o slight_v they_o regard_v they_o not_o or_o despise_v they_o but_o i_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n though_o he_o think_v very_o unworthy_o of_o i_o then_o that_o he_o shall_v slight_v his_o best_a friend_n jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n time_n especial_o when_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o only_o labour_v to_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n and_o count_v all_o his_o dissent_v brethren_n from_o his_o way_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o harbour_v a_o more_o favourable_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n then_o that_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a thought_n he_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v his_o word_n we_o say_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n i_o therefore_o conceive_v more_o venerable_o of_o he_o as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o haste_n when_o he_o thus_o speak_v and_o print_v for_o so_o he_o intimate_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o haste_v at_o length_n as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n a_o charitable_a gentleman_n towards_o a_o brother_n though_o not_o well_o advise_v it_o seem_v here_o be_v some_o tumour_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o make_v he_o giddy_a and_o run_v like_o a_o chicken_n without_o a_o scalp_n which_o needs_o timely_o lance_v to_o prevent_v some_o inflammation_n to_o a_o head_n while_o the_o humour_n flow_v in_o so_o fast_o to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o rhetoric_n this_o humour_n of_o his_o make_v my_o good_a brother_n idle-brained_n and_o occasion_v he_o to_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n certain_o it_o either_o pervert_v his_o judgement_n or_o put_v he_o into_o a_o lunacy_n or_o into_o one_o of_o his_o odd_a dream_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v take_v notice_n if_o not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n atlea_v of_o christ_n
be_v all_o dependent_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o chief_a thing_n observable_a in_o it_o first_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n etc._n etc._n second_o they_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n three_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n which_o false_o they_o make_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n now_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a except_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o have_v his_o command_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o that_o engrave_v holiness_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o diabolical_a or_o at_o least_o but_o humane_a so_o that_o in_o the_o independent_o learning_n wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o any_o congregation_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n for_o this_o be_v their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o church_n do_v not_o come_v and_o within_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o terminate_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o so_o by_o this_o all_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v true_a form_v church_n no_o not_o the_o very_a independent_a congregation_n themselves_o as_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v illustrious_o make_v appear_v after_o i_o have_v say_v something_o in_o order_n of_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o their_o definition_n and_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o have_v set_v out_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o indeed_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v redound_v unto_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n if_o these_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n and_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o definition_n for_o from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o desire_v though_o it_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o be_v they_o never_o so_o erroneous_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o never_o so_o perverse_a malicious_a and_o unplacable_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o let_v their_o unjustice_n do_v against_o any_o poor_a oppress_a member_n by_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o exorbitant_a there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o it_o or_o help_v or_o redress_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o any_o appeal_n to_o any_o other_o court_n church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a tyranny_n and_o slavery_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v and_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v ever_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o the_o which_o never_o any_o man_n voluntary_o put_v themselves_o under_o before_o these_o our_o unhappy_a time_n all_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n make_v evident_a and_o first_o whereas_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n if_o any_o presbyterian_a shall_v have_v so_o speak_v the_o independent_o will_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o bull_n for_o visible_a and_o mystical_a can_v be_v predicate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mystical_a than_o not_o visible_a and_o if_o visible_a then_o not_o mystical_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n then_o to_o any_o visible_a congregation_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o godly_a which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o and_o positive_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o saint_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v often_o mistake_v as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n be_v that_o they_o think_v some_o man_n saint_n who_o be_v the_o same_o still_o they_o then_o be_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o not_o only_o think_v but_o say_v though_o false_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o of_o more_o discern_a spirit_n then_o any_o in_o our_o age_n yet_o can_v not_o discover_v judas_n christ_n only_o know_v he_o be_v a_o devil_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o a_o mystery_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o to_o this_o day_n lie_v hide_v from_o all_o man_n who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n be_v absurd_a groundless_a and_o vain_a in_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o when_o they_o say_v a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o this_o their_o model_n for_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o many_o scandalous_a walker_n among_o they_o but_o of_o some_o heretic_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v true_a church_n what_o ever_o the_o independent_o think_v now_o of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v mix_v though_o in_o none_o or_o in_o very_a few_o of_o they_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o such_o offender_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n galatia_n philippi_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v true_a church_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o the_o sequel_n that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v then_o true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n they_o desire_v must_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o branch_n also_o than_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o well_o form_v church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o then_o also_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n challenge_v that_o title_n and_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n apiece_o for_o they_o several_o to_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o among_o god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o both_o in_o new-england_n and_o here_o among_o we_o hold_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n though_o as_o they_o be_v representative_a body_n of_o many_o church_n they_o may_v have_v that_o name_n give_v they_o and_o be_v church_n in_o my_o notion_n and_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n but_o i_o say_v not_o proper_o according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o their_o congregation_n consist_v of_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n apeice_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o a_o few_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o have_v many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n require_v for_o the_o mould_v of_o they_o up_o into_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n whereas_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n they_o have_v neither_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n over_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o elder_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o require_v nor_o no_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a day_n enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n only_o and_o that_o of_o many_o not_o only_o out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o great_a but_o out_o of_o many_o send_v and_o delegated_a from_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o yea_o many_o time_n not_o only_o out_o of_o many_o several_a presbytery_n adjacent_a but_o out_o of_o other_o country_n and_o province_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o that_o late_o at_o dort_n and_o this_o our_o
synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
of_o these_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v say_v he_o or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o the_o other_o church_n of_o judaea_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_a act_n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n he_o say_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o so_o that_o in_o the_o reckon_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o now_o i_o refer_v myself_o unto_o the_o judicious_a and_o godly_a reader_n whether_o these_o man_n have_v not_o make_v false_a muster_n or_o not_o to_o use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o language_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n have_v not_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o do_v most_o sacrilegious_o unjust_o and_o wicked_o in_o thus_o rob_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o member_n for_o first_o they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o those_o devout_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n in_o jerusalem_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o second_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 47._o that_o beside_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o likewise_o and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v relate_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n they_o cut_v off_o three_o thousand_o of_o these_o also_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o great_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n than_o be_v before_o all_o those_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o subduct_v and_o pare_v off_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o those_o likewise_o they_o defalcate_v with_o all_o the_o other_o increase_v of_o multitude_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o with_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o record_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o but_o cast_v up_o the_o whole_a sum_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o total_a reckon_n and_o number_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o to_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v do_v out_o of_o their_o perverse_a wilful_a and_o obstinate_a wickedness_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a people_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o thus_o to_o juggle_v who_o they_o can_v not_o delude_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o true_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o they_o and_o their_o complice_n withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o they_o in_o unrighteousness_n for_o be_v the_o people_n true_o inform_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o intelligible_a yea_o but_o ordinary_a understand_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o very_a child_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o can_v not_o then_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v still_o but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v combine_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o it_o this_o i_o affirm_v every_o rational_a creature_n will_v from_o ground_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v if_o they_o be_v right_o instruct_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o dishonesty_n both_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o all_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o people_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o all_o to_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o deal_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o groll_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o proposition_n for_o he_o must_v be_v answer_v also_o or_o else_o he_o will_v exceed_o triumph_v in_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o flagelli_fw-la he_o have_v these_o word_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o be_o not_o say_v he_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a thus_o i._n s._n express_v his_o non-satisfaction_n in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n for_o far_a answer_n he_o thus_o declare_v himself_o first_o say_v he_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o church_n speak_v of_o act_n the_o 15._o 4._o i_o deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a presumption_n and_o beg_v of_o the_o question_n to_o say_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o minister_a church_n especial_o if_o you_o reckon_v all_o johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n to_o those_o believer_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n after_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n ere_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n so_o for_o any_o thing_n have_v yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o many_o after_o you_o have_v cut_v off_o johns_n convert_n i_o mean_v those_o that_o do_v stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n which_o be_v multitude_n and_o temporary_a believer_n which_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o stranger_n which_o do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n those_o that_o do_v remain_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grâ—w_v up_o unto_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o former_a beg_n and_o presumption_n that_o which_o sollowe_v viz._n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o what_o say_v i_o s._n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v often_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a sir_n i._o s._n dispute_v who_o word_n be_v a_o very_a farrago_fw-la of_o error_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o he_o sufficient_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o master_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o who_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v and_o confident_a i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o arrogant_a and_o a_o more_o presumptuoas_n sot_n that_o ever_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n than_o this_o i._o s._n and_o who_o word_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o ignorance_n and_o full_a of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o self_n conceitednesse_n and_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o
chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n true_a believer_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n all_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o those_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_n great_a number_n they_o be_v indefinite_o set_v down_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o find_v a_o new_a addition_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v and_o withal_o i_o may_v tell_v i._o s._n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n that_o the_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_n be_v all_o man_n likewise_o for_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n conceive_v of_o those_o convert_n but_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v in_o terminis_fw-la that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o convert_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o publish_n and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o people_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v make_v know_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o to_o all_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbour_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o their_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o nurtrature_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v then_o as_o docible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o give_v attendance_n unto_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a word_n and_o to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o giddy-headed_a people_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v novelty_n especial_o we_o may_v with_o all_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o they_o will_v then_o be_v the_o soon_o persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n it_o come_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v often_o before_o desire_a sign_n and_o miracle_n say_v unto_o christ_n what_o sign_n she_o west_n thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o intimate_v that_o if_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o they_o any_o sign_n that_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v in_o thou_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n do_v daily_o gratify_v they_o with_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o that_o the_o very_a high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v upon_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a miracle_n i_o say_v therefore_o when_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concomitate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n it_o can_v be_v doubâ—ed_v but_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v those_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o yield_v the_o more_o credit_n unto_o their_o husbund_n and_o master_n instruction_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o many_o woman_n luke_n 23._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28._o that_o mourn_v for_o christ_n when_o they_o carry_v he_o to_o crucify_a and_o if_o we_o look_v also_o into_o the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n &_o those_o honourable_a one_o which_o minister_v daily_o unto_o he_o now_o than_o if_o we_o believe_v which_o we_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o as_o many_o believe_a woman_n convert_v as_o man_n as_o we_o may_v for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o we_o have_v already_o sixteen_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o the_o new_a stile_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n stand_v then_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o dreadful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o miracle_n believer_n say_v the_o text_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o this_o word_n multitude_n as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o all_o language_n it_o ever_o signify_v some_o great_a company_n or_o some_o great_a assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o here_o many_o new_a great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n beside_o all_o those_o before_o specify_v and_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n v._n 7._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n which_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o second_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n itself_o where_o be_v specify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o in_o no_o small_a company_n in_o that_o very_a church_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n three_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o multiply_v great_o both_o the_o word_n have_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o they_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o great_o to_o show_v the_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n can_v not_o be_v set_v down_o four_o it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o great_a company_n also_o of_o the_o priest_n those_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n have_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a ponder_v will_v create_v belief_n from_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n man_n that_o there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o after_o their_o conversion_n infinite_n of_o people_n daily_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o preach_v of_o these_o priest_n also_o of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o harbour_v this_o opinion_n that_o now_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a consider_v the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o themselves_o to_o convert_v and_o bring_v man_n unto_o he_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v he_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n bind_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v now_o convert_v will_v study_v to_o convert_v other_o for_o we_o see_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o andrew_n have_v find_v christ_n john_n 1._o he_o bring_v his_o brother_n simon_n to_o he_o and_o after_o christ_n have_v call_v philip_n unto_o he_o he_o find_v nathaniel_n bring_v he_o also_o unto_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o will_v loose_v no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o gain_v friend_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v real_o and_o true_o convert_v they_o will_v ever_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o yea_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o relate_v unto_o peter_n that_o the_o devil_n sought_n to_o winnow_v he_o as_o wheat_n and_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v add_v withal_o this_o lesson_n unto_o simon_n peter_n say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n this_o duty_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o simon_n peter_n but_o it_o
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o can_v speedy_o be_v reckon_v but_o when_o the_o increase_n grow_v so_o great_a they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v by_o whole_a sale_n not_o in_o enumerate_v parcel_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o numberless_a company_n say_v multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v mighty_a congregation_n and_o great_a assembly_n of_o both_o sex_n in_o such_o abundance_n come_v in_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n and_o set_v down_o in_o general_a term_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v also_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n 1_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o a_o committee_n and_o only_o prepare_v the_o business_n and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o can_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v ratify_v the_o decree_n make_v in_o that_o council_n he_o in_o the_o same_o page_n produce_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o fond_a conceit_n say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n withal_o say_v he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v about_o and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o verse_n 22._o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a i._n s._n say_v and_o unsayes_a determine_v and_o conclude_v and_o then_o go_v from_o his_o resolution_n again_o affirm_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v with_o one_o accord_n together_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v himself_o he_o come_v in_o with_o his_o perhaps_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o altogether_o in_o uncertainty_n say_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o dispute_n while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o here_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o he_o make_v it_o suspicious_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a there_o or_o not_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n discretion_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o for_o the_o church_n assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o so_o he_o learned_o conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o all_o this_o his_o babble_n that_o they_o be_v all_o there_o and_o they_o be_v not_o there_o where_o can_v any_o man_n find_v this_o creature_n and_o what_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v behold_v the_o levity_n vanity_n rashness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o fellow_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o that_o one_o have_v need_v to_o instruct_v he_o instead_o of_o confute_v he_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o any_o man_n unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o wise_a expression_n concern_v i_o in_o his_o 16._o page_n which_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o may_v not_o fit_o be_v apply_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o while_o he_o will_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o understand_v not_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o whereof_o he_o affirm_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o scarce_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n appear_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o learning_n a_o more_o unlearned_a payr_n of_o wicked_a trifler_n then_o this_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o i._o s._n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v first_o positive_o set_v down_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o he_o after_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v present_a there_o or_o no_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n the_o second_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n without_o which_o there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o council_n as_o he_o prattle_v and_o without_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v ratify_v his_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o say_v he_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o conclude_v the_o ambassador_n of_o france_n and_o swede_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n entertain_v they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v as_o well_o send_v unto_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n again_o the_o city_n of_o london_n assent_v unto_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n accord_v unto_o to_o gratify_v those_o ambassador_n after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v ergo_fw-la all_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o citizen_n have_v not_o only_o their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n in_o those_o great_a business_n and_o be_v judge_n also_o in_o the_o parliament_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n can_v have_v ratify_v nothing_o without_o they_o will_v not_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o man_n thus_o argue_v gather_v that_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v make_v such_o inference_n from_o such_o premise_n and_o shall_v so_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n or_o else_o a_o very_a ninnie_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdoe_v dispute_v and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o man_n he_o understand_v by_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n agree_v and_o according_a with_o hanserdo_v in_o this_o sottish_a opinion_n who_o hold_v that_o by_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o that_o counsel_n and_o ratify_v the_o decree_n without_o the_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v valid_a whereas_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o hanserdo_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impossibility_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o that_o by_o multitude_n there_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v some_o choice_n and_o select_a man_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v who_o be_v call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v furnish_v with_o good_a store_n and_o of_o which_o that_o great_a council_n only_o consist_v and_o who_o debate_v and_o argue_v con_fw-mi and_o pro_fw-la about_o the_o business_n in_o controversy_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o then_o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o james_n after_o they_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n give_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o church_n assent_v so_o that_o out_o of_o all_o these_o word_n it_o necessary_o and_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o brethren_n there_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o the_o common_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v brethren_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o sister_n
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v arm_v all_o man_n with_o some_o caution_n in_o read_v their_o pamphlet_n which_o they_o write_v against_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o never_o deal_v candid_o neither_o with_o they_o nor_o with_o their_o own_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o either_o whole_o dissuade_v they_o from_o read_v our_o book_n or_o else_o by_o their_o emissary_n and_o rail_a libel_n they_o most_o shameful_o vilify_v and_o belie_v they_o so_o that_o they_o come_v prejudicate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o send_v their_o own_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a scribble_n among_o those_o of_o their_o fraternity_n who_o they_o miserable_o cozen_v and_o abuse_v with_o their_o fraudulent_a juggle_n and_o that_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a i_o say_v to_o speak_v before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n and_o several_a query_n arise_v from_o it_o concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o their_o answer_n unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o rather_o trifle_v then_o dispute_n as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o my_o reply_n unto_o they_o first_o set_v down_o the_o question_n full_o with_o all_o my_o query_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o all_o the_o material_n of_o their_o fond_a cavil_n and_o evasion_n with_o their_o silly_a responsal_n to_o they_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o then_o reply_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n deduce_v from_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v add_v many_o more_o precedent_n and_o they_o undeniable_a one_o of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v of_o member_n and_o that_o into_o church_n form_v after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n according_a to_o their_o own_o description_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o all_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v of_o their_o member_n and_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n evident_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o minister_n use_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a presbyterian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n i_o say_v by_o thegrace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v clear_o elucidate_v this_o truth_n that_o god_n use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n in_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o ought_v to_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o what_o order_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o `_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principal_a of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well_o affect_v former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o member-ship_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o the_o woman_n have_v all_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o man_n and_o whether_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o woman_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a for_o
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o second_o of_o james_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n ever_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o there_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o their_o tradition_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o all_o synagogue_n whersoever_o they_o journy_v yea_o christ_n himself_o command_v all_o his_o follower_n the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o ever_o send_v all_o those_o leper_n he_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n he_o never_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o godly_a minister_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o blame_v it_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o go_v against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v high_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o have_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n we_o may_v believe_v it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o under_o the_o prelate_n reign_n and_o power_n those_o godly_a and_o powerful_a minister_n such_o as_o my_o reverend_a tutor_n master_n richard_n rogers_n mr_n john_n rogers_n of_o dedham_n and_o mr_n dod_n and_o other_o when_o they_o sometime_o go_v to_o visit_v their_o friend_n through_o city_n and_o country_n by_o their_o preach_n they_o gain_v many_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o many_o town_n and_o village_n where_o after_o they_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o ministry_n convert_v they_o they_o leave_v they_o still_o abide_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n enjoin_v they_o diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o minister_n there_o dissuade_v they_o from_o separation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o never_o leave_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o their_o own_o minister_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o so_o they_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o then_o return_v home_o again_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a dwell_v place_n and_o they_o have_v christ_n command_n to_o do_v this_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_o
to_o obey_v now_o when_o these_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o these_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a tradition_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n to_o be_v abhor_v and_o abominate_v but_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v to_o walk_v together_o shall_v first_o be_v agree_v together_o and_o cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o three_o of_o amos_n ver_fw-la 3._o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v to_o this_o i_o thus_o reply_v first_o that_o if_o the_o independent_o be_v god_n and_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o go_v on_o in_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a course_n than_o this_o question_n of_o his_o have_v be_v to_o the_o purpose_n but_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o illdependents_n be_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n and_o many_o of_o they_o know_v to_o be_v notorious_o scandalous_a not_o only_o for_o their_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n but_o for_o their_o lie_v rail_a hypocrisy_n pride_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o of_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o god_n heritage_n and_o people_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o their_o way_n except_o it_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n by_o know_v of_o they_o may_v shun_v they_o and_o their_o byway_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v both_o from_o precept_n prov._n 4._o v._o 14_o 15._o ps_n 1._o v._n 1._o and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 2._o ver_fw-la 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o and_o so_o all_o good_a people_n and_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n to_o shun_v such_o seducer_n and_o deceiver_n and_o to_o decline_v all_o their_o byway_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o enjoin_v or_o require_v that_o those_o that_o either_o be_v to_o be_v make_v christian_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n shall_v either_o know_v the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o shall_v be_v particular_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o example_n of_o it_o from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a will-worship_n and_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o often_o condemn_v in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o isaiah_n 29._o matth._n 15._o mark_v 7._o coloss_n 2._o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v as_o a_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v bear_v act_n 15._o whereas_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o light_a and_o they_o that_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o find_v rest_n unto_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11._o ver_fw-la 28_o 29_o 30._o who_o say_v unto_o his_o people_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o you_o will_v come_v to_o i_o and_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n you_o must_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o my_o people_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o i_o say_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v no_o such_o command_n either_o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n three_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n almost_o for_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o a_o whole_a church_n so_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o fit_a to_o be_v church_n member_n consist_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n john_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o which_o consist_v in_o self-denial_n and_o regeneration_n for_o if_o any_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o for_o so_o say_v christ_n our_o king_n matth._n 16._o luke_n 9_o and_o again_o john_n 3._o for_o 3._o christ_n speak_v unto_o nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o man_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v be_v a_o new_a creature_n say_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n require_v as_o necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o he_o that_o have_v these_o qualification_n have_v as_o much_o as_o christ_n require_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o particular_a or_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n or_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v wicked_o do_v in_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n to_o impose_v law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o brethren_n who_o be_v a_o free_a people_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o serve_v their_o king_n christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o voice_n only_o aught_o to_o detest_v all_o these_o false_a teacher_n that_o will_v so_o enthral_v they_o especial_o they_o ought_v to_o abominate_a their_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v these_o their_o tradition_n god_n ordinance_n but_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v that_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la and_o that_o they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n i_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o most_o arrogant_a expression_n in_o any_o so_o to_o speak_v for_o in_o his_o thus_o speak_v he_o make_v as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o poor_a mortal_a creature_n to_o search_v man_n heart_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v only_a god_n peculiar_a but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o this_o his_o expression_n there_o be_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o confidence_n in_o the_o man_n that_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o that_o be_v the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o mighty_a counsellor_n and_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o precept_n for_o this_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o disciple_n also_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act._n 21._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n sometime_o nor_o never_o speak_v of_o this_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la therefore_o i_o gather_v it_o be_v neither_o part_n of_o the_o will_n or_o council_n of_o god_n that_o they_o enjoin_v this_o walk_n upon_o his_o people_n therefore_o all_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o liege_n people_n ought_v to_o abominate_a and_o abhor_v all_o such_o usurper_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v that_o trample_v down_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n upon_o his_o people_n for_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o statute_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o quâ—rie_n to_o the_o three_o query_n concern_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n my_o brother_n burton_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o which_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o query_n but_o now_o learned_a i._n s._n come_v in_o and_z page_z 18._o
principale_a and_o the_o choice_a one_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n both_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o upon_o any_o scandal_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a rank_n and_o quality_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o entrance_n of_o any_o though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o mere_a jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o godly_a they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o those_o congregation_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o this_o their_o practice_n and_o therefore_o plead_v ignorance_n in_o the_o business_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v i_o write_v nothing_o in_o my_o first_o book_n concern_v woman_n vote_v of_o it_o in_o church_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o two_o or_o three_o story_n omit_v many_o to_o prove_v their_o practice_n in_o those_o day_n and_o what_o i_o shall_v relate_v and_o much_o more_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n whensoever_o the_o independent_o shall_v put_v i_o upon_o it_o and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v never_o great_a juggle_n than_o have_v be_v among_o those_o of_o the_o congregational-way_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n the_o story_n brief_o be_v these_o a_o gentlewoman_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n come_v up_o to_o london_n since_o these_o new_a light_n break_v out_o be_v so_o infatuate_v with_o they_o that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o join_v herself_o to_o one_o of_o the_o prime_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n concern_v the_o which_o gentlewoman_n i_o can_v say_v thus_o much_o upon_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o that_o whatsoever_o she_o be_v now_o before_o she_o become_v a_o independent_a she_o be_v a_o woman_n not_o only_o of_o a_o immaculate_a life_n and_o conversation_n but_o a_o woman_n of_o singular_a piety_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o to_o her_o ability_n and_o who_o ordinary_o twice_o or_o thrice_o a_o week_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v day_n apart_o in_o private_a to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o humble_v herself_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v her_o constant_a course_n of_o life_n yet_o this_o woman_n assay_v to_o join_v herself_o unto_o these_o new_a disciple_n and_o be_v to_o make_v the_o confession_n of_o her_o faith_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o her_o conversion_n she_o not_o have_v have_v many_o month_n acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o above_o half_a a_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o be_v force_v the_o better_a to_o make_v the_o church_n understand_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o her_o heart_n to_o recite_v unto_o they_o her_o course_n of_o life_n how_o she_o have_v constant_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o what_o communion_n 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etc._n etc._n and_o of_o what_o even_o of_o a_o toleration_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o religion_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o what_o authority_n soever_o it_o come_v ratify_v unto_o we_o whether_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a yea_o though_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o command_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o for_o say_v christ_n our_o master_n i_o charge_v you_o all_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leven_a of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o leven_a of_o herod_n now_o by_o leven_a our_o saviour_n understand_v all_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o enjoin_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o tolerate_v they_o among_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n he_o have_v ratify_v it_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n revel_v 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offspring_n of_o god_n and_o his_o generation_n and_o they_o live_v in_o he_o and_o move_v in_o he_o and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o he_o and_o their_o breath_n and_o life_n from_o he_o yea_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n now_o god_n say_v he_o have_v give_v you_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o you_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v worship_v he_o as_o he_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o to_o who_o all_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o right_n be_v due_a now_o then_o as_o we_o be_v his_o offspring_n we_o must_v not_o think_v of_o god_n after_o our_o fantasy_n and_o set_v up_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o please_v ourselves_o or_o allow_v of_o any_o kind_n or_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n that_o man_n please_v to_o follow_v as_o you_o superstitious_o do_v at_o athens_n not_o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v after_o his_o own_o way_n and_o after_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o howsoever_o god_n wink_v at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n yet_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v that_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o after_o one_o way_n for_o say_v he_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v now_o to_o set_v up_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v this_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o embrace_v that_o one_o and_o only_o true_a religion_n that_o i_o teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o you_o than_o i_o tell_v you_o plain_o that_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o christ_n jesus_n if_o you_o will_v not_o set_v up_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v tolerate_v all_o manner_n of_o religion_n among_o you_o still_o as_o former_o you_o have_v do_v and_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v be_v eternal_o damn_v for_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n for_o worship_n and_o not_o poland_n and_o transsylvania_n the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n must_v be_v that_o we_o must_v follow_v in_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o now_o when_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o his_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n for_o tolerate_v of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o and_o that_o he_o be_v high_o offend_v with_o those_o christian_n church_n in_o asia_n for_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o jezabel_n we_o be_v sufficient_o teach_v and_o instruct_v that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o tolerate_v any_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o christ_n the_o 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be_v a_o mighty_a company_n for_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n with_o one_o accord_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v due_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n this_o city_n be_v no_o contemptible_a one_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o i_o say_v before_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o credit_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o pastor_n able_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o which_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o send_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n so_o that_o all_o this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v easy_o persuade_v beside_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n have_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n than_o the_o independent_o in_o our_o day_n who_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v convert_v any_o though_o they_o have_v pervert_v and_o seduce_v many_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o primitive_a minister_n there_o be_v immediate_o send_v of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v in_o all_o language_n and_o do_v miracle_n such_o as_o none_o can_v do_v but_o those_o that_o come_v from_o god_n as_o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o christ_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o for_o they_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n with_o their_o word_n and_o shadow_n they_o raise_v the_o dead_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v wonderful_a withal_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n after_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o and_o do_v also_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o way_n and_o conversation_n here_o so_o that_o they_o may_v live_v with_o honour_n and_o die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o man_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o after_o death_n and_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o do_v good_a wherever_o they_o come_v so_o they_o live_v so_o holy_o and_o unblamable_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o be_v man_n of_o such_o integrity_n sincerity_n and_o of_o such_o plain_a upright_a deal_n as_o the_o people_n that_o behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o see_v withal_o their_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o they_o do_v say_v of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o convert_v whole_a city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o bring_v whole_a nation_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o few_o miracle_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n and_o from_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n the_o 15._o verse_n 18._o 19_o where_o the_o apostle_n abundant_o declare_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o miracle_n of_o those_o time_n who_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v even_o to_o the_o convert_n of_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n and_o so_o they_o prevail_v in_o this_o city_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o be_v speedy_o convert_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v think_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o royal_a city_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o church_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o act_n the_o 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o titus_n the_o 1._o and_o now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o two_o mother_n city_n of_o palestine_n jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n enumerate_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v all_o subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o class_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n w_z ch_z be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o it_o also_o there_o be_v constitute_v a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n and_o those_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v act_v the_o 14._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yea_o paul_n plant_v this_o church_n and_o apollo_n with_o barnabas_n and_o the_o presbyter_n water_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n for_o one_o pastor_n or_o minister_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o own_o flock_n at_o least_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o doctor_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v feed_v one_o congregation_n now_o in_o that_o they_o have_v many_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o many_o extraordinary_a teacher_n in_o it_o with_o all_o good_a reason_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o abundant_o appear_v from_o its_o first_o constitution_n or_o plant_n for_o we_o read_v of_o multitude_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o that_o city_n that_o believe_v act_v the_o 18._o verse_n 5._o 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o beside_o justus_n crispus_n also_o and_o all_o his_o household_n and_o many_o corinthian_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o lord_n also_o say_v that_o he_o have_v many_o people_n in_o that_o city_n ver_fw-la 10._o which_o by_o the_o diligent_a preach_v of_o paul_n for_o eighteen_o month_n together_o be_v convert_v verse_n 11._o for_o who_o further_a build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n paul_n apollo_n timothy_n cephas_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a &_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n beside_o their_o own_o presbyter_n be_v all_o constant_o employ_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3_o &_o 4._o all_o the_o which_o import_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n beside_o both_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n show_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o deceitful_a teacher_n seducer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o also_o have_v their_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n there_o be_v also_o many_o vain_a instructer_n and_o idle_a teacher_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n yet_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n now_o all_o reason_n will_v suggest_v that_o pastor_n of_o such_o several_a mind_n and_o teach_v such_o several_a &_o discrepant_a doctrine_n have_v all_o of_o they_o scholar_n &_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n whereof_o their_o several_a pastor_n be_v as_o now_o we_o see_v in_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o our_o time_n &_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o meeting_n for_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o officer_n with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o more_o choice_a people_n for_o discipline_n beside_o as_o we_o have_v express_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscylla_n house_n 1_o cor._n 16._o so_o there_o be_v many_o other_o meet_v place_n in_o corinth_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o in_o express_a word_n there_o
same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 19_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n now_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n by_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o so_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o not_o so_o unto_o christ_n he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o be_v marry_v only_o unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n husband_n and_o we_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v any_o christian_a yet_o ever_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o house_n and_o family_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o their_o king_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n accord_v unto_o when_o man_n be_v first_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n i_o say_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n must_v take_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v after_o they_o be_v baptize_v enter_v into_o another_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o by_o that_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o mystery_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o employ_v so_o much_o for_o we_o know_v the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 29._o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n where_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o which_o word_n philip_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n no_o more_o ought_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o conceive_v that_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n that_o by_o that_o he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n of_o church_n fellowship_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o deceive_v they_o by_o tainter_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyong_a their_o native_a signification_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o occasion_n that_o they_o may_v juggle_v the_o better_a to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trisle_v about_o word_n till_o they_o lose_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o poor_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o be_v take_v from_o joiner_n and_o craft_n man_n that_o join_v many_o thing_n together_o by_o glue_n and_o â—o_o ordinary_a discourse_n it_o intimate_v a_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o as_o when_o mason_n join_v stone_n together_o or_o carpenter_n timber_n to_o make_v a_o house_n but_o that_o this_o word_n join_v shall_v always_o employ_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n to_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n when_o any_o man_n take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o one_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o command_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v do_v it_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a will-worship_n and_o one_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o detestation_n because_o they_o make_v it_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o a_o church_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o batch_n of_o their_o own_o leven_a by_o which_o they_o have_v of_o late_a much_o sour_v the_o truth_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v now_o again_o that_o christian_n be_v to_o swear_v fealty_n only_o to_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o church_n and_o who_o voice_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o who_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o listen_v unto_o &_o we_o swear_v no_o allegiance_n or_o fealty_n to_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n &_o domestics_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o any_o covenant_n among_o ourselves_o without_o a_o special_a command_n from_o christ_n and_o as_o when_o steward_n of_o prince_n or_o nobleman_n take_v any_o in_o to_o their_o master_n family_n they_o swear_v they_o only_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o the_o servant_n enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o or_o join_v or_o unite_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o another_o such_o proceed_n among_o servant_n will_v never_o be_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v among_o man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n or_o a_o confederation_n to_o do_v mischief_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o when_o those_o man_n enter_v in_o to_o a_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n yea_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o country_n that_o when_o servant_n begin_v once_o to_o combine_v together_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o by_o secret_a covenant_n they_o have_v always_o plot_v mischief_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v special_a care_n use_v to_o prevent_v such_o conspiracy_n and_o all_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v by_o this_o their_o covenant_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n what_o it_o tend_v to_o if_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n prevent_v not_o their_o design_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v christ_n domestics_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v his_o house_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o it_o and_o our_o king_n we_o be_v to_o smite_v our_o covenant_n only_o with_o he_o and_o to_o swear_v fealty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o and_o his_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o malachi_n the_o first_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o reverence_n if_o i_o be_v a_o lord_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o obey_v i_o not_o we_o be_v only_o therefore_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n now_o then_o when_o the_o independent_o impose_v this_o their_o covenant_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o their_o new_a church_n without_o enter_v in_o to_o this_o conspiracy_n i_o say_v by_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o dis-throne_n christ_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o law_n before_o he_o wherein_o they_o commit_v a_o detestable_a wickedness_n and_o this_o shâ—ll_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o four_o quere_z and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o of_o woman_n vote_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o election_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_v page_n 15._o we_o say_v he_o tie_v not_o the_o key_n to_o woman_n girdle_n and_o i._n s._n page_n 19_o but_o as_o for_o this_o of_o woman_n vote_v in_o the_o church_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o i_o know_v thus_o he_o for_o answer_v to_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o of_o which_o and_o those_o the_o